Westernization Essay Example

- originally referring to the West being distinct from Oriental culture according to ancient Romans who divided Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy one thousand years ago during the East-West Schism.

As time has passed and Western civilization has influenced and been influenced by other nations around the world, the meaning of "Western" has evolved. The Renaissance was sparked by contributions made by Islamic and Byzantine scholars to Western literature while Russia converted to Christianity in the 10th century but was not fully included in the West until Peter the Great reformed its government. Today "Western" generally refers to societies with European cultural roots; however there are still differences between these countries such as culture, language, religion, politics and economy. It is important to note that despite similarities in historical background;the Western world is not a homogeneous blocTypically, countries such as the USA and Canada in Northern America, EU member states and European Microstates in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand are considered to be part of Western civilization. Some European nations outside of the EU may also be included based on their membership in organizations like the Council of Europe or shared cultural ties with Latin American countries forming part of ELI. Many Latin American societies have become highly influenced by Western culture due to Spanish and Portuguese settlers and immigration from other European nations including Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. The official languages commonly used are Spanish or Portuguese. Turkey shares a comparable economic system with the EU although only 3% of its land is located in Europe; it is an official candidate for EU membership while being a member of usual Western organizations such as

COED, Council of Europe, and NATO. Examples highlighting this trend include immigration to Argentina, Chile or Turkey. Israel situated south of Lebanon within the Middle East has seen significant Jewish immigrants from Western nations including France, Germany, Canada, United Kingdoms and United States contributing towards its semi-Western society status according to Haifa University's professor emeritus Sammy Smooth who calls it a "hybrid". However ongoing conflicts with Arab regions continue impacting slow westernization progress.Although located in the Middle East, Israel is involved in several European organizations for sports and cultural events including COED, BEEF, and Revision Song Contest. Meanwhile, Lebanon has a sizable Christian population of nearly 40% with ties to Western countries like France dating back to the Crusader's state of County of Tripoli. This fusion of Eastern and Western influences has created a progressive society with metropolitan Beirut being dubbed as the "Paris of the Middle East." South Africa has also been heavily influenced by European culture which some argue makes it westernized. White South Africans make up approximately 9% while mixed race individuals comprise another 9%. Unlike Black South Africans who preserve their language, many mixed individuals speak Afrikaans as their mother tongue. Additionally, about 20% of Afrikaans and English-speaking people live in cultures that have been greatly impacted by Western influence. Windhoek has over 10% white and closed people who mainly speak Afrikaans and German as their first languages. Furthermore, many black South Africans and Namibians are proficient in European languages and considered native speakers. However, there may be controversy if the definition of what constitutes "Western" expands beyond current parameters.According to Samuel P. Huntington, Western identity is rooted in orthodox Christianity

in Europe and North America. He also uses six other civilizations to classify the rest of the world. On the other hand, Edward Said believes that Westernization occurred during colonization when "subject races" were essentialized for domination purposes. Said references Arthur Buffalo's argument for England's continued rule over Egypt by claiming their cultural superiority due to Egypt's racial deficiencies. However, Said argues that this understanding of civilization objectifies societies based on race and reinforces power relations through normalization. Despite this vulnerability, it is possible to view the Western world through its people rather than territory, including non-Western populations like the Boers in South Africa. King Manually Khan attempted to Westernize Afghanistan but failed due to tribal uprisings. Over five centuries, Europeanization and colonialism spread throughout much of the world until weakened by two World Wars which led colonies towards independence while adopting aspects of Western politics.Despite incorporating some Western elements into their own cultures, newly autonomous colonies often reacted against Western culture. In Asia, reactions to Westernization range from fundamentalism and protectionism to embracing certain aspects of it while adding unique social influences, as seen in countries like Korea and China. One example of the impact of Western influence can be seen in Taiwan's bridal photography industry where Bonnie Adrian notes that Taiwanese couples now display more physical affection and pose in Western-style settings for a contemporary look, contrasting with the distant and stoic tradition. However, this change ultimately stems from the desire for bridal photography in Taiwan rather than solely from Western influence. On the other hand, the Netherlands played a crucial role in transmitting Western knowledge to Japan during the 17th to mid-19th

century when Dutch merchants were the only ones allowed into Japan before Commodore Perry's visit in 1852. This paved the way for deliberate embrace of Western culture by Japan during Meijer era through hiring foreigners to teach new customs and traditions.The "Dates-A Ron" or "Good-bye Asia" movements were supported by some Japanese politicians as a means of distancing Japan from the rest of Asia. However, after World War II, Japan underwent a process of Westernization due to increased influence from their allies. As a result, it became one of the most westernized countries while still maintaining strict social hierarchy and limited individualism despite advances in industrial efficiency.

The Shah's efforts to Westernize Iran played a role in sparking the Iranian Revolution. Globalization is often viewed as an ongoing process that involves incorporating Western ideas and disseminating Western culture across non-Western countries like China, India, and Japan. This trend can be seen through the introduction of Western customs such as music, clothing, and cars. The spread of individualism via economic and political demonstrations supporting free trade is an important factor in this pattern which contrasts with Communism's worldwide influence. Although many component states and allies underwent Westernization following the USSR's dissolution in 1991 by adopting formerly state-controlled industries, they continue to maintain their cultural identities.

Ongoing discussions are taking place to determine if globalization, which includes economics, politics, and culture, falls under the term "Westernization." Some argue that it leads to global similarity with Western powers while others believe it affects cultural diversity through the promotion of democracy, fast food chains, American pop culture, among other things. European colonization has had a significant impact on America's and

Oceania's cultural makeup in terms of ethnicity and language. The normalizing of indigenous people is most noticeable in settler colonies like Australia, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and the US where traditional indigenous populations have largely been replaced by non-indigenous settlers. Despite blending European settlers with indigenous peoples in nations such as Bolivia Guatemala Mexico Peru and Ecuador normalization can still be seen. Nevertheless continued immigration has resulted in a "white" majority culture over time in regions like Costa Rica where indigenous cultures have become more Europeanized.The predominance of European languages or derived creoles resulting from colonization and immigration has impacted Native language-speaking areas across various regions, including Northern Asia, South Africa, Central Asia, the Americas (including Australia and New Zealand). English is the predominant language in most areas except for French-speaking Quebec. Other English-based creole languages like Ammoniac and West Saint-Pierre are also spoken. French is spoken in regions like French Guiana, Guadalupe, Martinique and Saint-Breathable along with French-based creole languages. Spanish is prevalent in Hispanic America; however Paraguay has more Guarani speakers than those who speak Spanish. Portuguese dominates as a primary language in Brazil while Russian reigns supreme in Northern Asia and parts of Central Asia. Dutch and Afrikaans are used alongside Creole languages respectively in Surname, Aruba and the Netherlands Antilles as well as South Africa. Despite these linguistic influences globally, native tongues face extinction concerns; yet some countries have taken measures to preserve their native languages such as making Moor language an official language alongside English along with New Zealand sign language.Various processes, such as acculturation or Americanization, can influence cultural identity. Acculturation reflects African identity while Americanization represents the United

States government, culture, and people. The spread of Roman culture and language is known as Romanization, while inclinations refer to making something English. Anti-Americanism expresses hostility towards the United States while anti-globalization aims to resist cultural assimilation in order to preserve cultural identities wherever they exist. Colonialism, colonial mentality, cultural diversity, and cultural imperialism are all phenomena that exist.

Distinct features characterize United States culture. De-Rustication refers to reversing Rustication in post-Soviet countries where it was used for political purposes. Diseases of affluence are illnesses believed to result from increasing wealth.

Europeanization can transform a society into a more European one or foster a European identity within Europe. Fortification involves imparting a French character onto something or someone while germinations denote the spread of German language and culture or adaptation of words into German language.

Hallucinations refer to the spread of Greek culture and language whereas aspirations involve Japanese culture dominating other cultures through assimilation or influence.The early Soviet ethnicity policies of Kicking Away the Ladder and Coordination/Serializations are related to Language shift, which involves the spreading of Hungarian language and culture. Palpitation refers to the assimilation or assumption of Polish language or other attributes. The socio-economic division between developed "North" and developing "South" is known as the North-South divide. Moon-westernizes concepts related to male sexuality while Westernizes concept of sexual orientations. Nationalization, Melting pot, Modernization, Multiculturalism, Intercultural competence, Isolationism, and Passing (racial identity) all relate conceptually to each other. Paper gag party is conceptually linked to other terms as well. Alliteration uses the Latin alphabet for expressing words or languages whereas Romanization involves giving non-Romanian things Romanian traits. Rustication pertains to non-Russian communities adopting Russian customs or

language while Association highlights Chinese culture's dominance over others. Globalization concerns Czechoslovakia and Slovakia's policies regarding ethnic Hungarians in their respective countries.